Fate/Blackened Sugar

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "Tell me, who are you really? How can you do these things? Tell me the truth."

You stood before the blackened husk of a Servant being pushed slowly through the mirror and the girl by her side. This was magecraft unheard of before nor discovered by the Association. It was completely unique that even a second rate Mage like you could see it for what it was.

This girl was prime target for Enforcers and being slapped with a Sealing Designation. What she was doing must be outright magic itself, not just magecraft. If it's her, the Luctworth's dream of recreating the Sculpture of the Gods, Pandora, would come true.

That was if they got her to cooperate. You also doubted that someone of this level would fall to the hunting dogs of the Association. Whatever that thing on the other side of the mirror was, you didn't want to see it again.

Not that you could do much given your choice of acquaintances.

"Tell me, who are you really?" You questioned her as you stood in the presence of her works, "How can you do these things? Tell me the truth."

Manaka smiled and stepped away from the Blackened Husk. She placed her hands behind her back and said, "Well, the Truth... I've already grasped the Truth since as long as I could remember."

"The... Truth?" You repeated with a frown.

"Whatever that truth is, I know it. I know a lot of things thanks to it. Magecraft, secrets, rituals and all manner of outcomes and possibilities. It's all one thought away. That thing all Magi are obsessed with carving a path towards to," Manaka said as she hummed and crossed her arms.

Your eyes widened as you stepped back, "The Root?"

"Where everything began and where everything will end, the bastion of all knowledge of all worlds in all of time. Yes, that Root and I were connected since I was born," Manaka said as she walked towards you, your vision flashing and fading as you found it harder to breathe, "At least that's how it's supposed to be."

"What do you mean?" You asked her with a frown.

"Though I do have this talent for magecraft and my own uniqueness, I'm limited by my own body. This body isn't any different. There's only so much I could do on my own, which is why rituals such as the Holy Grail War are necessary for me," Manaka said as she walked past you, "But with that comes the ultimate curse, Hans... Everything is so boring."

Boring? You turned to her as she gave you a serene smile while leaving down. Her eyes were bereft of any emotion you recognized. It was like gazing into an alien mind and having your sanity poked and prodded with painful needles.

You endured as she continued speaking, "When you have all knowledge, you end up losing things normal humans would find precious. Like knowing the ending of a book from simply looking at the reviews or seeing results of a race by someone from the future showing it to you. It's boring. I don't understand why decrepit and foolish Magi would ever want this."

Clairvoyance? Or a higher form of it? It reminded you of certain Servants with that ability. Divination and Star Gazing were also branches in acquiring such a skill but for Manaka, all she had to do was input her query and she would receive an answer.

If she looked into her connection now, she could look at the millions of possibilities of how Hans Derrinsmith would act in this situation... Way ahead of you actually doing anything.

But then, why would she go this far? She shouldn't need you for this war.

"You're probably wondering why I still kept you around. With such a power, I could easily win this war," Manaka said as she hummed before turning to you, "Well, it's because this parallel world has nothing to offer me. Whether I win or lose it won't truly affect me. Right now, I'm a spectator with front seat to a funny show... And there's you, an unnatural Magus with no interest with the Root. Obsessed with the Dead... And that's when it clicked for me. If I don't want to be a Reader who was spoiled the ending of a book... I could be an author and direct things to the results I would find the best."

"So that's why you picked me. You don't plan to use the Grail at all," you told her with a frown, "You're... Just here for the ride, leaving whatever mess you made as you please. If I wasn't so sick in the stomach, I might have called you a Goddess."

"Oh please, you're flattering me," Manaka giggled as she waved her hand.

"That wasn't a compliment," you replied as you shook your head, "But it does give me an idea. You may be omniscient but it's limited. The Kaleidoscope doesn't just reveal numerous world's but also numerous possibilities from each of those worlds. You must be quite the Genius to take on all that information at once but there's the thing, you can't pin down things and make them happen on a whim."

Manaka giggled at that and said, "Is that how you think?"

"It's a guess. I'm not sure if I'm even right. Talk to the Wizard Marshall or something, I'm no an expert on the damned subject," you replied with a tired tone.

You straightened your back and sighed. Shaking your head, you glanced at the Blackened Servant moving out of the mirror.

"Even if you do have vast knowledge on certain events or results, there are just some things you can't account for. You can only influence them to a certain degree," you told her as you tapped your cane, dispelling the foul atmosphere in the hall of mirrors, "Just like nudging a rolling ball to a direction you want it to go. You know what to expect but there are things you don't know how they'll affect you even when you see them coming."

Manaka froze at that as you walked past her. She went silent before you heard her speak, "Like... Falling in love?"

You stopped and glanced at her, "Probably. Is that how it went with your Prince Charming?"

"He's no Prince, Hans. He's a gallant King," Manaka said as you turned away and left her in her hall of mirrors.

You slowly made your way out until you stepped into the outside once more. A short breath left you as you leaned on your cane.

What a monster.

"Hmph, so you made it out in one piece," Berserker said as he walked by.

You glanced at him as you asked, "How do you deal with it? With that?"

"Simple. I don't," Berserker said as he glanced at the hall of mirrors, "Well, I am in a way. By making sure she doesn't go crazy. Do you realize how close to I am to losing it? If I have to listen to one more story about her pretty boy I'm going to vomit."

"Just don't do it in front of her," you advised as you chuckled.

Berserker regarded you then and said, "A girl half alive packed with so much power. I can't imagine a more pain in the ass person to deal with."

"At this point we're no more characters in the story she's trying to pen," you told him as you walked past him.

"Are you going to let that be the case?" Berserker asked you with a stern tone.

"Hah! Hell no," you said as you shook your head. You continued moving as you hoped to find Assassin and Miyu again.

.....
....
...

Berserker watched the Magus walked away as he crossed his arms, "Hah. Crazy bastard."

Perhaps being crazy wasn't inherently bad. The mad ones tend to defy Fate the best after all.

.....
....
...

You found Assassin seated in a bench all by herself with a patient look on her face. You raised an eyebrow and drew close, causing her to look your way.

"My Lord, you're back," Assassin said as she stood up.

"Funny to see you alone," you said with a curious look, "Where's Miyu?"

"Lady Miyu wished to use the restroom. She should be nearby," Assassin said as she met our gaze, "She should be back in a moment."

"Will she be okay?" You wondered.

"She insisted I go back here. But I did accompany her all the way," Assassin replied as she added, "Not only that but there are also no signs of people here other than us."

Grounded​

[] Sit beside Assassin and wait for Miyu. You can use this time to speak with Assassin as well.
[] You'll go on head and meet Miyu halfway. Assassin can go to patrol the park once more, making sure everything was ready.
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] You'll go on head and meet Miyu halfway. Assassin can go to patrol the park once more, making sure everything was ready.
[] Quickly tease Chiyome about if she enjoyed the attractions Miyu forced her to ride along her before leaving.

"I see. Well, sounds like you had a tough time, huh?" You noted as you smiled her way, "You any good with kids, Assassin?"

"Lightly. I vaguely recall instructing young girls within the school I established to train Kunoichi. Young girls, orphans and the like but only as pupils and soldiers... Not like this," Chiyome replied with an embarassed look.

"That's interesting. Why don't you tell me more about it after tonight. I could use the story then," you told her with a low chuckle. You then said, "By the way, can you do me a favour?"

"Anything, my Lord," Assassin said as she perked up.

"Can you patrol the park for a bit? I want to make sure everything is ready. Stay clear of Manaka's traps and my own and meet me back when I call you," you ordered as you walked up to her.

"Of course. I will perform my duty well," Assassin assured you as she blinked once you took off your scarf.

You then wrapped it around her neck as you stepped back, "You sure you're not cold in that outfit?"

"I-I will be fine, My Lord," Assassin said as she looked to the side, "I'll be going now."

"Before you leave, tell me. Did you enjoy being dragged around by Miyu?" You asked her as she walked past you.

Assassin stopped and turned your way with a pout, "I'm... Perhaps."

She vanished on the spot leaving you by yourself. You chuckled at that as you turned away. Yep, you were cracking her open bit by bit. At least it's enjoyable enough to counteract Manaka's pet project.

You'll be dealing with that now, huh? Just one more thing to clean up in the end. You should be used to it now. You limped forward and sighed as you made your way to where Miyu should be.

Tapping your cane, you didn't detect her anywhere nearby. She must have slipped away without Assassin noticing. Could she do that? No, it's possible that Assassin left out this detail.

No matter. You could catch a lingering sign of her presence. You kept walking and eventually found Miyu standing before a weathered down store. It was a souvenir shop for this defunct amusement park.

She was looking up at a picture of a family smiling together in the park's themed shirts and apparel. You doubted she was looking at the design of the shirts though.

"Everything all right here, Miyu?" You asked with a curious tone as you neared her.

The girl blinked before turning her golden eyes towards you in surprise, "Mr. Hans..."

"Is this your first time in this sort of place?" You asked her with a raised eyebrow, "Well, I can guess it is. You were a sheltered girl."

Miyu stared at you before looking back at the picture, "I... Never knew anything beyond my mother's room. I was only taught a few things. I couldn't read... Or write... Or play with others. I never knew such places like this existed. The Elders of my Family always said that Children of God must be kept hidden so their powers cannot be tainted by the world. But now, my powers are muted by the architects of this war to be used for the Ritual. It's... The first time I have been freed."

"You call that state your in freedom? To be bound to be the judge for the Grail?" You asked her with a raised eyebrow.

"It's more than what I would have imagined receiving. So yes, for me it is," Miyu replied as she held her hand on her chest...

"But don't you want more?" You offered her with a small smile, "You're still a child. You could get away with being selfish."

Miyu frowned your way before sighing, "I... Would like to go here... In a place like this with my mother. I think she would like it."

"I see. I'll see what I can do then," you replied as you walked up to her and let your cane float. Miyu glanced at you as you rubbed her head, "Tonight, I will protect you. Then we'll go see your mother and have you tell her that."

Miyu blinked before looking up at you, "You can't do that. The Luctworth have her safely hidden away."

"And I've been fighting that family for years. I know how they tick," you assured her with a smirk, "It'll be fine. I promise."

"Promise..." Miyu whispered as she looked up at you.

The two of you stood beneath the snow as that promise was forged.

......
.....
....

The time had come. Day turned to night as snow fell from the sky to cover over the park. You looked down at your watch as you stood at the park's broken down castle with Miyu safely hidden within it's depths while you stood guard.

It was almost time...

Manaka should be in her hall of mirrors while Berserker was on standby as vanguard for this defense. You had your own tricks on your sleeve for this battle. You're not one to be stingy at times like this.

You took out crows' blood from your pocket, pouring it out to the ground before you. The stench of blood filled the air as you cast aside the vial and took your cane, pricking your thumb against the small blade by the handle.

"Execute Order: Nevermore(Curse Herald)," you declared as you blood fell and made contact with the crows' blood.

Black feathers burst and swirled around you, only to gather upwards and sap you of magical energy to construct a familiar. A large black bird spread its wings wide and held a wind rune on its chest before it took off.

Ravens took off from the top of the castle as the clock ticked to the appointed time. You felt your Command Seals burn on your left hand as you gasped for breath.

"They know," you whispered as you looked to the entrance.

.....
....
...

Berserker looked up to see the flock of Ravens take flight in the night sky. He smirked to see so many of them and wondered if that Magus will be all right. The first challenger had already appeared from the looks of it as he watched the Ravens spot something and dive.

A black swarm dived down from the heavens and were then engulfed in a bright purple light. Berserker watched they fell, shattering upon hitting the ground hard.

Berserker stepped forward to see a Servant come into view. A woman with long purple hair spilling out of her hood, a brutal black and red scythe hanging from her back.

"So you're the welcome party. You better now disappoint," the woman said as she lifted her weapon and dragged her chains.

"Try not count your eggs before they hatched, Lancer. Show me a good time!" Berserker chuckled as he drew his two blades.

They moved and clashed, the ground splitting as their combined strength caused a shockwave.

.....
....
...

"It's Lancer," Assassin whispered as she appeared by your side.

"So it would seem. She probably made a recovery after your first encounter with her," you replied with a curious look.

"No. The curse still holds her but she's certainly coping. Measures have been taken to mute the effects," Assassin replied as she turned to you.

You looked ahead and saw that a layer of your bounded field had been collapsed.

"She's not alone. A Magus should be with her," you replied as you grimaced.

"What should we do?" Assassin asked with a raised eyebrow.

A Promise at Winter
​

[] You will hunt down this Magus. Have Assassin assist Berserker in his battle. Take out Lancer when she could.
[] Assassin will go search for the Magus. You will stand guard here and protect Miyu. If things go awry, you can order Manaka to release her Blackened Servant.
[] The two of you will wait here and observe the battlefield. Berserker can handle this and if the Magus gets too close, you'll be ready.
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Assassin will go search for the Magus. You will stand guard here and protect Miyu. If things go awry, you can order Manaka to release her Blackened Servant.

"Go after the Magus disabling our bounded field. I want our defenses intact enough to provide support in the coming battles," you ordered as you leaned on your cane, "Berserker and my Ravens will handle Lancer, you do what you can."

"And Lady Miyu?" Assassin asked with a pointed look.

"I'll protect her. Plus I think I can prod Manaka to deal her cards early if something happens," you replied as you smiled.

You watched the battle below and linked your mind with the Ravens. They could see every single thing from the skies. There wasn't any sign of intrusion from another Servant yet.

Should any of the other Knight Classes come by, you're uncertain how you'll handle it.

"I'll be going. I will return if you are in danger," Assassin replied as she vanished from sight.

You then turned your attention below.

.....
....
...

Berserker dragged his sword on the ground and cut upwards, hoping to shatter Lancer's guard as she was forced back. She threw out her chains to lash at Berserker, forcing the man to dodge and throw his own swords at her.

Lancer smacked a blade into the air as Berserker came in with a full overhead slash. Forced to evade, Lancer watched the ground split as she grabbed her scythe and cut.

A raven dived down from the sky and kept her from landing a fatal blow as she dashed back. Berserker threw his other sword and had Lancer block that too. He caught the first sword in the air and thrust it while she grinded it against the shaft of her weapon.

The two combatants bounced off one another in a Rin of sparks.

"Not bad, Lancer. This is really getting my blood going!" Berserker said as he caught his other sword upon calling it back.

Lancer crouched low as she looked at him from beneath her hood, "You Hero types. You're the worst."

"Why don't you get close and say that to my face?" Berserker snorted as he held up his weapons.

Lancer held her scythe and dashed forward, shooting with the speed of a bullet towards Berserker. However she slammed a bladed tipped chain on the ground before jumping over the other Servant.

Berserker was left confused as Lancer leaped over him. She then pulled the chain as it wrapped around his arm and held on tight. Berserker turned and yanked her down as she slashed.

The two Servants clashed once more before Berserker used the chain to swing Lancer around, smashing her into a store and crashing her into another before pulling her up. He then swung her down into the ground where he pulled her again as she spiraled to land a kick into his chin with her heel.

Staggering back, Berserker grabbed her leg and smashed her into the ground. Jumping away, he put some distance between him and Lancer as he spat blood from his mouth.

Chains flew out from the wall of dust to which he parried with great dexterity just as Lancer shot out of it.

No, it wasn't Lancer!

It was her scythe flying straight for Berserker and forcing him to smack it aside just as he turned to see the woman slide to the ground, palm the floor and kick aside his sword. Her hood flew back as she opened her eyes.

However before she could meet gaze with the Warrior before her, a black Raven got in her way. Darkness filled her vision before a fist flew through the Raven and smashed straight into her sternum.

Lancer flew back and smashed into a wall. Berserker let out a breath as he looked down his arm and found it half turned to stone.

"I see. So that's how it is. Isn't it troublesome for you to have such a glaring trait easily recognised?" Berserker asked as she slowly peeled herself from the wall.

Lancer's eyes returned to normal as she held her chest with a resolute expression, "I can use the handicap."

"You're a good woman. I like that," Berserker smirked as he held his swords.

"Flattery will get you nowhere," Lancer declared as she crouched low, her long purple hair spilling in the ground around her.

.....
....
...

Assassin moved through the park and searched for her prey. She tracked down the enemy Magus while maintaining presence concealment, only to find gems lying on the ground.

Her presence tripped them up and caused them to explode into a fiery inferno. Assassin flipped back to avoid being hit as a woman with curled drills stepped out and fired a gemstone at her.

Assassin lazily smacked it aside and let it strike a store. This person was the one accompanying Matou Sakura. Assassin landed on the ground and drew her kunai to charge but the woman held up her hand.

"Now!" The blonde woman roared as the gem in her hand burst and unleashed light.

Assassin summoned her serpents to conceal her from the light but just as she shielded herself, something came flying at her from the back. Assassin cut apart an arrow bathed in silvery light.

No, it wasn't silvery but more colourless...

The light entangled upon Assassin's arm as she defended against it. She quickly felt a drain from her magical reserves as she came into contact with it.

Assassin grit her teeth to see a woman standing on top of a roof holding a bow compound bow.

"Luvia-san!" Sakura called as she drew another arrow.

Before Assassin could dart towards her, the serpent behind her exploded. Luviagelita Edelfelt punched through the summon and kept gems between her fingers as she threw them on the ground.

Assassin flipped away from the explosion before dashing to cover and avoiding the Matou's arrows. Assassin threw her kunai and watched as the Magi dodged them with a wild dive.

Assassin had lost her presence concealment but she drew her sword in response. She'll make this quick...

.....
....
...

You opened your eyes and felt a strange distortion in the air. Clouds began to gather in the sky and you felt that you were in for something big. You decided to limp towards the entrance of the castle and jump down, reinforcing your legs as you landed.

You held your cane as lightning streaked in the sky and the winds blew ahead.

"I do not like this," you whispered as you directed the Ravens to soar high and intercept the source of this disturbance.

RATATATATATATATATATA

You frowned at the sound of gunfire as your familiars were knocked down. Something was coming. Your eyes widened as one Raven found a girl with long orange hair and black clothes rushing through the park.

The Raven dived down but the girl simply drew a gun and fired. You were pushed back into your body as you saw the girl pull the sniper rifle from her back and fire it.

You tapped your cane as the bullet smashed through three layers of magical barriers before stopping.

"I finally found you, Brother!" The girl laughed as she held down her gun.

"Minerva," you growled as you let out a breath.

Her Servant... Where was her Servant? Did she come all this way to get to you?

BANG BANG

You dashed to the side as you raised your barriers. She discarded her rifle and drew her handguns, firing at you as you blasted her with a crackling blast of fire.

Minerva dodged out of the way while throwing grenades into the air. You left a explosive rune on the door behind her.

The two of you yelled out.

"AEGIS!"

"AEGIS!"

Shields of light erupted between you both, protecting you from the explosion. You slid back with a pained breath.

Minerva smiled your way as she stood before you, "You're still hard to kill."

"Having fun with Brie's body?" You asked with a narrowed look. Her Servant... Where was her Servant?!

Minerva's hair swayed behind her as she walked towards you, "Oh I've been having the time of my life. After I get you, I'm going after her next. Now just sit down and die, Brother~."

"Are you working with Lancer's people?" You asked her as you leaned on your cane.

"Nope. Still, Saber can handle them. Now though? You're mine," Minerva said as she raised her gun.

Siege​

[] Face Minerva. You're not letting her get past you. Even if she means to fight you, you won't let her get to Miyu.
[] Call for Assassin. She needs to drop what she's doing and get here right now. You need help, fast! You can hold Minerva off for a few seconds!
[] Contact Manaka. It's time for her secret party trick to shine.
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Call for Assassin. She needs to drop what she's doing and get here right now. You need help, fast! You can hold Minerva off for a few seconds!

A gunshot rang out as you raised a barrier before you to catch it. Minerva strafed to the right while you etched runes on the ground and tapped your cane, causing the growth of plant life to hasten and rise to provide you with adequate cover.

"Ansuz," you declared as you ignited the plants and created a firestorm with them as fuel.

Minerva raised her hand and called upon Aegis once more, negating the heat with her shield of light until it ended. You stepped back as she emptied her guns at you, creating a wall of stone.

"Assassin, come to me. I need your help! Leave whatever it is you're doing right now!" You ordered through your connection as Minerva vaulted over your wall.

She kicked off it and smashed straight at you. You reinforced your body to move away and increase your flexibility. Rolling back along the ground, you looked up to see a cluster of grenades take to the air.

"Aegis!" You roared as you created your own barrier of light to weather the blast.

Your eyes widened as a shadow descended upon your shield and shattered it. Minerva cracked it open with an axe kick, leaving you open as she aimed her gun at your head. You nearly got killed but you managed to tilt your head left as you felt it graze your ear.

You went deaf for a moment as you planted your feet on the ground and smacked her gun with your cane. Pressing a button on your cane, it released a mechanism which allowed it to break apart.

You lashed out at Minerva as she flipped back to avoid your cane snaking through the air. She slid back and drew her gun as you had your cane recede and grow firm.

Moving forward, you clashed with Minerva as she tried aiming for your head while you pressed your cane against her gun.

"Even when your body is this broken, you still have so much fight left in you. The cane is new, but what next? After I take your legs will it be a wheelchair next time?" Minerva asked as she met your gaze.

"In your dreams, puppet," you hissed as the two of you broke apart and you lashed with your cane as it swirled and knocked her gun out of her hand.

Minerva smirked as she drew a blade from her leg and swatted aside your threaded cane. You retracted your cane and turned it to normal before you ended up exchanging blows with her.

"I'm only accomplishing the purpose of this body. It was built to kill you after all," Minerva said as she slashed and cut before turning to kick the air as you dashed back, "The best thing you could do is die!"

Sliding back, you held out your hand, "Descend."

Minerva's eyes widened as Ravens dived down from the sky and flew towards her. She tossed several bags into the air and cut them apart.

"Fly, Glass Maidens!" Minerva intoned as shards of glass formed from the powdery grains and shot towards your ravens.

Black and silver clashed and the battlefield between the two of you was engulfed in shards and feathers. You prepared to meet her next attack as she drew her Desert Eagle.

However a presence drew close and shot past you. Assassin had arrived and moved through the feathers and glass with her blade drawn.

She slashed with her sword aimed at Minerva.

CLANG

"Yare, yare... Apologies Master, but it's about time I stepped in," a man's voice echoed as he defended Minerva.

Assassin's eyes widened as electricity danced along the man's sword. Gray eyes met Chiyome's before she was sent flying back. You cast a spell go catch Assassin before she could crash into the floor.

"Shit..." You sighed as you stared at the man before you dressed in a Ronin garb.

Two swords rested upon his waist as he wore a straw hat which concealed his face. You and Assassin recognized him from the first clash between all of the Servants.

"Were you peeping again, old man?" Minerva noted with a raised eyebrow, "I thought I told you to go after Lancer's people."

"Call it me being cautious. Besides, my intuition seemed to be correct at this point," Saber replied as he turned his gaze towards you and Assassin, "Don't get me wrong, you would have won eventually but Assassin's presence complicates things."

"Stubborn man... Still, regardless, I think we can have a little bit more fun now," Minerva said as she holstered her gun.

You tapped your cane as silver swords appeared behind you. Firing them all at once, you aimed straight for Saber as he cut them apart in a flash.

"Eager, aren't you?" Saber smirked as he lowered his blade.

"Master... This is bad," Assassin hissed as she held both her sword and kunai in hand.

You might have to call Manaka. You're not sure if Assassin can take on Saber. Should you even use a Command Spell? No, that would only bring you away from Miyu...

Under no circumstances can you let Miyu leave your care-

SKREEEEEE

Up on the sky a giant form flew through the boundary field. Crashing through layers upon layers of protection and trigger traps of all sorts the massive form continued in its path to crash into the castle. It was a giant bird, it was a Roc.

Caster had come.

Miyu was left unprotected..!

The Roc smashed into the castle as Caster and her new Master stepped in. You tried to move but a gunshot kept you from leaving. Minerva had you and Assassin cornered.

"We'll have to fight, Assassin," you said as you straightened up.

Assassin tightened her grip on her blade, "Yes... Master."

Saber smirked as he readied his sword.

FATAL BATTLE
VS
SABER
(???)
​

Assassin waited as she stared down the warrior before her. You stepped forward and tapped your cane on the ground, casting enchantments upon you Servant as she gained power.

Minerva simply smiled and did no such thing as Saber waited.

Assassin opened her eye and changed her stance.

"This stench... The stench of a snake," Saber notes as he firmly planted himself on the ground, "It's certainly... An unmistakable thing."

Assassin moved and so did Saber. The air blew up as Assassin threw her kunai at the man as he advanced. Saber swatted them aside as they drew close and clashed.

They bounced off one another in an explosion of spark before Assassin tested his guard with her blows. Swinging and cutting, she forced Saber to defend himself before she flipped and tossed a bomb at him.

Saber cut the fuse with a single slash before he did the same with inhumanly fast strikes towards his foe. Assassin dodged and evaded before diving back in and clashing with him.

Saber caught her strikes and blows before he twisted his body and cut horizontally, forcing Assassin to jump and kick him. Saber slid back as Assassin fell to the ground with a crouch.

Assassin felt her body shake in fear but she drew upon her courage as she faced the Warrior before her. She was scared, that much you could tell... There was something about this man that made her feel that way.

Saber moved and cut, slicing through the air and unleashing a projectile. Assassin's eyes widened as she parried the projectile and was pushed back towards you.

The man dived down towards her and thrust, nearly skewering her before the two of the exchanged blows.

Old Legends
​

[] Assassin wasn't feeling well. You could see this clearly. Quickly cast a First Aid charm to reinvigorate her!
[] Cast Emergency Evade on Assassin to help her avoid Saber's strikes. The longer she can keep this up, the more time you could think of a solution!
[] Etch an Attack Rune from afar and boost Assassin's strength. She needs to match Saber's strength or she won't survive.
[] Use a Command Seal...
-[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Cast Emergency Evade on Assassin to help her avoid Saber's strikes. The longer she can keep this up, the more time you could think of a solution!

You held up your cane as you directed your prana towards your Servant. You began to cast a spell while Minerva did the same. Saber began to glow red while you shrouded Assassin with spirits of the wind. The two combatants clashed and struck one another with Assassin narrowly avoiding the more decisive strikes.

"Slippery, aren't you?" Saber said as he smiled from beneath his hat, "How long can you last, Shinobi?"

Assassin gasped as she parried his strikes and watched him slide back. Saber thrust to which Assassin took as a chance to deflect it downwards and step on it.

She then jumped and brushed her heel against the man's chin before throwing kunai at him. Saber raised his guard and blocked them before striking at Assassin. Chiyome evaded with the help of your spell while she landed on the ground.

"Infernal Swirl(Flame Arts: Flame Snake)," Assassin declared a spinning mass of flames rushed towards Saber.

The man simply cut through it as Assassin strafed to his left and struck. He thrust but she caught his blade to slice upwards.

Saber brought down his sword as Assassin flipped back, leaving smoldering firecrackers before the other Servant. The firecracker exploded, deafening and robbing Saber of his senses as Assassin moved. The man cut upwards and merely cut apart a black serpent.

"Bladed Hail(Scale Arts: Black Scales)," Assassin declared as she brought down an entire arsenal of Shinobi tools from above.

Saber moved and tore through the rain of blades with his sheathed strike. Electricity dance in the air as Assassin was sliced on half. Her body broke apart into serpents.

The ground beneath Saber morphed and the giant maw of a snake closed shut upon him. Flashes of light sliced through the monster and Saber was able to free himself.

He frowned, "Oil?"

Assassin jumped from the shadows and cut along the ground, igniting the oil beneath her. Flames danced and moved to assault Saber but the man simply cut off the oil and stepped back. His eyes only widened as Assassin closed in with her sword set blaze.

His lips curled into a smile as he drew back and slashed, his sword growing in size and length.

"Come then, Shinobi! Show me what you've got!" Saber roared as his sword shimmered.

You noticed the stench of alcohol longer in the air. You frowned as you held up your arm to mask the smell.

"Assassin, fall back!" You roared as Chiyome twitched and abandoned her clash. She left her sword in the air as she flipped back, allowing Saber to only strike her blade.

Saber's sword crackled and exploded with fire, igniting in a brilliant blast. Fire and alcohol lingered on the air as you grit your teeth as you saw Assassin slid back to see her sword stab itself into the ground.

"A sword of alcohol capable of changing its size and length," you whispered as you frowned.

"And a Kunoichi with an affinity for Serpents, most likely due to a cursed bloodline," Minerva noted as she smiled your way.

Saber snorted as he rested his sword over his shoulder, "Not bad at all. Color me impressed."

"You were intending to immolate us both in that clash..." Assassin breathed as she yanked an invisible string and grabbed her sword.

"I was wondering what you would do. You're lucky that your Master has quick wits about him," Saber said as he stepped forward.

"Assassin, this guy is definitely bad news... Can you take him on?" You asked with a grim look.

"Of course, Master," Assassin replied as she bared her blade.

"Time to get serious!" Saber laughed as he took off his upper garments to reveal his bare chest and arms.

His hat remained as he held his sword in his right hand.

However just as they were about to clash, an explosion rang at the top of the castle.

......
.....
....

Caster had landed upon the Castle alongside her new Master. While her heart burned for vengeance like no other against Assassin, she had another task to do. Liberating Miyu from Assassin's clutches came first and she would gladly take on Assassin at a later date.

Her Master walked ahead of her towards where Miyu should be being kept. They had crashed into the castle's dining hall with abandoned dolls of kings, Queens and other royalty were left sitting in their seats.

"We must hurry, Caster. We don't have much time to dally now," Theodore said while stroking his beard.

"I can feel her. She's close," Caster said as she followed him before stopping.

The man came to a halt and frowned as someone stood at their exit. Caster summoned Djinns in response, sending them to attack the person only for the familiars to be ripped apart before reaching the girl.

A beautiful young woman with blonde hair and serene blue eyes. Once she set her gaze upon Caster and her Master, she knew it was over.

"Oh tragic Caster... Would you weave me a tale?" The girl asked as she spread her hands and bowed, "I knew you'd come."

"Caster, kill her," Theodore quickly ordered but she was already a step ahead.

Calling upon vengeful ghosts and wrathful demons, Caster unleashed their ire upon the girl only to watch as they were shredded. Caster recognized the markings before the girl as primordial runes-

STAB

Caster was barely able to avoid a strike as a Servant appeared behind her. Theodore turned as well in surprise to see a woman with a heart shaped spear and silvery blue hair come into view.

A Servant? No... This one was different!

"What a surprise!" Theodore barked as he stepped forward and threw a punch.

However the woman simply swung her spear and blew off the top portion of Theodore's body. Gore and viscera danced in the air as Caster screamed.

An explosion of force rang out and blasted blackened woman backwards, sending her flying to the wall. Fear clung to Caster's back as she fell down her knees. She was going to die... She was going to die....

Her eyes turned to the wall and saw the blackened woman drag her spear off the wall. Golden eyes met hers as she gasped.

"It's okay. There's no need to be afraid," a bell-like voice echoed with a giggle and Caster felt a pair of hands cover her eyes.

"It'll be quick and easy. You won't need to be scared anymore," the voice whispered into her ears.

Caster parted her lips-

STAB

The Valkyrie Brynhildr had jammed her spear through Caster's chest as her tearful eyes stared at the empty blue ones Manaka Sayjou had. She tasted blood in her mouth as she felt darkness grip her heart and the blade was extracted from her chest.

She failed... She... Felt black bile rise up her throat... Her body broke apart and she was no more.

.....
....
...

Assassin deflected Saber's blow and jumped to avoid a slash which cut the ground itself. Turning in the air, Assassin threw her kunai at the man as he dodged and cut. Assassin was blown back before she rushed back in.

She entered furious melee with the man before her as the wind spirits aided her evasion against his attack. She let out a breathe and stomped on the ground, kicking up debris in the air.

"Ground Bullet!(Stone Arts: Rock Cannons)," Assassin hissed as she kicked the stones towards Saber.

He rushed towards her and cut through the stones before the two Servant clashed. Assassin kept her posture and weathered his blows as if enduring a wrathful storm.

She dodged and deflected what she could before striking with her own blade. The sound of sword clashing filled the air.

Saber brought down his blade and Assassin countered it with a deflect. This broke his stance as Assassin stepped in and drove her sword into his chest.

Saber caught her blade before if could fully sink into his body. Assassin cut downwards and sliced off his fingers before flipping over his body.

Chiyome landed behind Saber and held her sword in a reverse grip before stabbing it into Saber's back.

"Not bad..." Saber chuckled as he fell down his knee.

Assassin narrowed her gaze before her eyes widened in surprise. Saber's body began to crackle with electricity before she was blown back as a lightning bolt crashed down upon the man

"Assassin!" You yelled as your Servant moved.

She was able to get away as blue lightning danced around Saber. His wounds sealing shut as power radiated from his eyes.

Minerva giggled at the side as Saber's sword changed once more.

"With one swing, all eight shall fall" Saber whispered as he raised his weapon at Assassin, "Snake Slayer of Heaven(Ame-no-Habakiri)."

You held up your hand as your command seal burned, "ASSASSIN!"

Lightning fell but something moved to meet it.

A gargantuan spear descended from the castle and caught the blade coated by lightning. Assassin was blown away by the shockwave and sent sprawling on the ground as she watched the spear crack and take damage underneath the pure might of a god.

The spear eventually shattered but once it did, it had taken the brunt of Saber's noble phantasm and burst apart. Assassin held on to the ground as Saber was forced back even as used his sword to kill his momentum.

Assassin watched a beautiful maiden come between her and Saber... But beautiful she may be, there was something just wrong with her.

You on the other hand knew who this was. It was the Servant Manaka had been hiding in her hall of mirrors. A woman that could only be described as a reaper of heroic souls...

A Valkyrie in the flesh.

"Saber, we're done here," Minerva said as she sighed.

Saber narrowed his gaze and held his sword in hand, "Already?"

"Looks like someone is cheating in this little war. I don't want to go and go all out this early," Minerva said as she giggled, "I hope you're happy, Brother. See you in three days."

"Minerva!" You barked as you stepped forward but Saber had grabbed his Master and the two of them vanished.

You stopped short as you grit your teeth and stared at the blackened Servant before you. She turned her gaze towards you and you immediately froze, those golden eyes...

"Cough, cough," Assassin gasped as she fell forward. You moved and caught her before she fell, only for her to topple you with her.

Assassin held on to your coat and asked, "Did... I do well?"

The Sword to Split the Heavens
​

[] You barely made out of that... Hug her close. She did well. More than well...
[] She's injured. Her talk can wait later. You need to patch her up. Fighting Saber like that and pushing him that far, it's too much for her.
[] "Yeah... You did well. Don't make me worry that hard again. We can't stay here. Hold on to me, we need to go to Miyu."

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "Yeah... You did well. Don't make me worry that hard again. We can't stay here. Hold on to me, we need to go to Miyu."

You breathed a sigh of relief at that. You nodded as you cracked a smile, "Yeah... You did well. Don't make me worry that hard again."

"I apologize-" Assassin began as she tried to stand but couldn't.

"It's fine. We can't stay here. Hold on to me, we need to go to Miyu," you told her as you slowly stood up on your feet while supporting Assassin.

"That man... That man was... Saber was..." Assassin tried to form her words but found herself struggling as she held on to you.

"I know. Should have seen the signs but there's no mistaking it. That man is Susanoo," you murmured as you helped Assassin, "A literal god on earth... Or at least he should be. Grail wars shouldn't be able to summon divine spirits but... I've seen weirder."

You glanced at the Blackened Servant standing before you. She followed you with her golden eyes as you met her gaze.

"Don't you have anywhere else to be?" You asked her with a narrowed look.

The Blackened Servant stepped back before vanishing outright. It seemed that it returned to Spirit form. You helped Assassin on her feet and supported her in your entrance to the castle.

You managed to keep Saber off your back but the battle hadn't ended yet. The time it took for Miyu to generate that broadcast had elapsed, you should be able to transport her out of here. There's no telling just how much time you had before the other Servants took the chance to dive in.

You supported Assassin as the two of you ascended the castle. You were then shoved to the side by Assassin as an arrow flew towards you. Your Servant knocked it out of the air but the spell lingering upon it set upon her.

The wind spirits you enhanced her with allowed her to dodge it as you hit the ground. You saw gems fly into the air and trace a jagged line to home in on to you. You reacted and dragged your cane from the air to the ground and created a wall of stone which you promptly shattered to launch at your foe.

The debris struck a barrier held up by a woman with drill hairs as she dashed. An arrow flew past her as you grit your teeth and felt your circuits flare up.

Holding up your cane, a magically enhanced punch sent your body flying straight into a wall upon blocking it. You coughed out blood as you saw a knee come straight for your head.

Rolling away, you managed to avoid it as Assassin moved.

"Master!" Assassin cried out as she was forced to evade the silvery arrows raining down on her. Assassin grit her teeth as she tried fighting back as silvery arrows filled the air above her, forcing her to shoot them out of the air with her kunai.

The blonde woman kept bearing down on you as you created reinforced barrier after barrier only for her to crush them. You ducked beneath her next kick before slamming your cane on the ground, conjuring silver swords to rain down from behind you.

The woman hesitated before you had the swords come between you two. You held up your cane as you spoke, "Sowilo."

A rune appeared upon the swords as they burst into flames. The woman defended herself just as a silvery cane slashed across her and flung her through the air.

Her back slammed into a pillar where she grunted in pain.

"Luvia-san!" The other woman cried out before you raised your cane and formed a miniature sun which orbited your head while she aimed an arrow between your eyes.

You turned to the side and found Assassin being drained of her magical energy. Absorption? Normal magecraft shouldn't affect Servants... Granted that Chiyome didn't have a Knight Class' Magic Resistance but still...

You glared at the purple haired woman as the two of you tensed.

"Lower your weapon," you warned her with a narrowed look.

"Tell us where the Grail is first," the woman demanded as she held her arrow tight.

"Are you really in the position to make demands?" You questioned her as you held your cane.

"If you don't tell me I will shoot you," The woman declared as she narrowed her gaze.

"Try me, bitch," you drawled as you got ready.

CLAP CLAP CLAP

You and the woman paused and glanced to see Manaka walking down some steps while clapping her hands. She had a bright smile on her face as she met your gaze.

"I was wondering what was taking you so long. You found a second Grail, Hans!" Manaka said as she held her hands behind her back.

A second Grail?

The purple haired woman blinked before a gem flew between all of you. It burst and light illuminated the room you were fighting in. Blinded, you tried restoring your vision just in time to see the woman named Luvia carry the bow woman in her arms.

"Luvia-san?!" The bow wan cried out as she was carried out the nearest window. The two of them jumped and descended from the floor you were in.

Manaka seemed to feign confusion as she giggled, "Was it something I said?"

"Nice timing," you said as you moved towards Assassin to find her breathing hard, "Dammit, she's lost a lot of mana. What did she get hit with?"

Manaka walked by and asked, "Do you two need some privacy?"

"Shut up," you barked at her but Manaka simply giggled with a light blush. You took out some red vials from your coat and popped one open, "Assassin, here you go."

"Thank you..." Assassin murmured as she partook in the blood vial your provided.

"How's Miyu?" You asked Manaka as you turned to face her.

"Our little princess is asleep. Dare I say, it's been a rather interesting night, don't you think?" Manaka said as she held her left arm.

"What happened to Caster?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh... She won't be bothering us again. Our next defense should be a lot easier now," Manaka said as she crossed her fingers together.

She must have taken care of Caster...

"I see. Can you call back Berserker. We'll be beginning our departure. We can't stay here anymore," you said as you turned your back on her. You managed to take a few steps before stopping, "What did you mean by Second Grail?"

"Interested? It's simply a cracked Grail that can no longer serve her purpose. But even then, a Grail all the same just like Miyu..." Manaka giggled as she held her hands behind her back, "I'd like to meet that woman again."

You stared at her before shaking your head, "Do what you want. Let's go home after this."

"Don't be such a party pooper," Manaka giggled as she caught up to you and walked by your side.

.....
....
...

Fortunately, Miyu had been spared witnessing the battles that had transpired. You kept your word, you protected her and the defense was complete. Manaka had gotten her fun and Berserker had a great time fending off Lancer. You were exhausted but it was a victory for your group regardless.

Traveling in secret back to your hideout, you reached it with little trouble. Miyu slowly awoke once you returned her to her room. She looked around in confusion only to see you seated by her bed side.

"You... Won," she blinked while staring at you.

"I promised, didn't I?" You told her with a small smile.

Miyu slowly rose up and sat on her bed, "I see. But for how long can you endure?"

"Until I win your approval. I'll keep fighting and I'll keep protecting you," you assured her as you leaned on your cane.

"One Servant has perished. There's only five more to go," Miyu murmured as she held a hand to her chest, "Five more until this Holy Grail War comes to a close..."

She blinked before holding her head.

"Is... This what it feels?" Miyu breathed as she held her head.

"You should get some rest. We'll be safe for now," you told her with a nod, "You did well today."

"But I haven't... Done anything," Miyu said before she fell on her pillow.

......
....
...

Your name was Hans Derrinsmith and you were alone. The battle had been hard fought but you never expected to win in the end. You sat at the countertop of your suite while nursing a glass of whiskey. The ice clinked as you hung your head with a sigh.

You held your glass and pressed it against your head.

Minerva and Saber.

The Bow Woman and her companion, alongside Lancer as their ally.

Caster and her Master were dead.

Ophelia and her Servant.

And then that Immortal Archer.

You really have your work cut out for you. Maybe you should try risking bothering Scathach again. No, it would be a bad idea. You might get killed...

You took a sip of your drink and felt it run down your throat. You blinked before you noticed someone nearby.

What was Kept
​

[] "Assassin? Did you need something? Don't hide in the dark, I know you're there."
[] "You're bad at hide and seek, Manaka. What do you want? Don't you have to celebrate elsewhere?"
[] It turns out it's nothing. It must be your imagination. You should get some sleep. Wait, your phone was ringing. You should answer it.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] It turns out it's nothing. It must be your imagination. You should get some sleep. Wait, your phone was ringing. You should answer it.

You frowned and noted that there wasn't anything out of the ordinary with what you saw. It must be the stress you've put yourself to for the defense. It might your imagination messing with you. You should probably go to bed... But before that, a long hot shower would be in order.

Just as you were thinking that, you felt your phone vibrate. You frowned as you wondered who could be calling at this time of night. You're pretty sure your phone number was private and only accessible by your employees.

It could be your Secretary complaining about the next Investors meeting.

You should probably give her a raise. You checked your phone and looked at the number. It was unidentified. You answered it and turned to the window to reinforce it in case of a sniper.

"Hello?" You answered with a raised eyebrow.

"Greetings Mr. Derrinsmith. This is Caren Hortensia of the Church. I would like to request a meeting with you regarding a few things," a familiar voice spoke over the phone.

"I... See. Well, this meeting could wait tomorrow. I'm very tired," you tried telling her with a cough.

"I'm waiting at the address I'm about to message you. Don't be late," Caren said before hanging up.

You barely were able to say anything before you sighed. You didn't really want to deal with the church but it didn't seem like you had a choice.

.....
....
...

Standing before the shady looking bar, you entered it and rang the bell. Sure enough, a familiar nun's habit came into view within the empty establishment. A young woman with twin-tails cleaned a glass while looking up in surprise.

"Hey there. What can I get you?" The bartender asked as she set down her glass.

"Some water," you said as you walked to the waiting nun.

Caren sat quietly with a glass of clear liquid with ice. She glanced up at you and immediately spoke, "It's non-alcoholic, mind you."

"Well the first thing I was going to ask was what is a woman of the cloth doing in a place like this?" You asked with a frown.

"You would be surprised. I have a superhuman cyborg colleague that looked into a War in America," Caren said as she shook her head, "Besides that, there's no sin in dwelling in such a place and partaking in beverages non-alcoholic in nature."

"You tell yourself that. Right, so what did you need?" You asked her with an raised eyebrow.

"First and foremost, congratulations in surviving the 6th night of this damned war," Caren said as she gave you a dry look and clapped her hands rather sarcastically.

"Yes. It's a thing to be celebrated. Can I please go home," you told her with a sigh.

"I'll get straight to the point. Missing people have been on the rise ever since the war began. I've begun conducting an investigation regarding this matter. I came to ask you due to an involvement with two of your presumed employees going missing as well," Caren stated with a serious look.

Your first thoughts came to the Luctworth trying to get you through your people but the missing civilians threw you off.

"This is the first I've heard of this. Still, I do happen to have enemies that would target my people. Why ask me though?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm interviewing and asking whatever Master I could get my hands on and quite possibly offer my command seals as a reward for the capture of the culprit. I believe that the disappearances could lead to a disruption to the sanctity of this war... As ironic as that would sound," Caren said as she sipped her drink, "You wouldn't happen to know anyone, yes?"

You stared at her with a pokerface while your thoughts turned to a certain giggling omnipotent girl.

A Night Drink
​

[] "It's Manaka. A girl named Manaka has possessed one of the Masters and is conducting a ritual to bring about blackened Servants into the war."
[] "Nope. I wish I did but none come to mind. I apologize but I am interested in the prospect of getting an extra seal for this."
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "Nope. I wish I did but none come to mind. I apologize but I am interested in the prospect of getting an extra seal for this."

You considered it for a moment before you schooled your expression. She was certainly doing her job well but you doubt that she could do much against Manaka. Not only that but you believe that agitating Manaka would only lead to very dire results, at least not without proper precautions.

To take on someone with a hotline to the Root, the greatest desire of all Magi, ample preparation must be made. While you had confidence in the church, you believe that they're outgunned in this respect.

Especially against Manaka's child... Whatever it was.

The time was right just yet.

"Nope. I wish I did but none come to mind," you replied with a shake of your head, "I apologize but I am interested in the prospect of getting an extra seal for this."

"So you will be cooperating with me?" Caren asked with a curious look.

"Of course. I have my own need for advantage in this war. Every little thing counted," you replied with a smile.

"I see... But are you certain, Mr. Derrinsmith? You truly know nothing?" Caren pressed as she met your gaze.

"No. I do not. But if I was petty enough, I would direct you to the Luctworth. I hate them enough to cause trouble their way but never enough to waste your time," you said with a calm note.

Caren stared at you before sitting straight again, "Fine. If you do notice anything, please do report it."

"My men have been affected by this. I'll make sure I come up with something," you said with a nod. You stood up and leaned on your cane, "Good evening to you, Sister Hortensia."

Exiting the booth, you left the bar. You left the nun by herself as you made your way back to your building. Leaving the bar, you stepped out into the snowy evening to see the moon shined down on you.

You're not sure if you managed to throw off that nun but it was definitely worth a shot.

.....
....
...

You dreamed...

You dreamed of darkness and the sound of men merrymaking. Slithering through the dark, you guided your brood through the camp under the cover of night.

The smell of food, the stench of alcohol and the crackle of the fire tingled your senses. Slipping beneath their wagons, you inched closer as they laughed and sang. Their blades were cast aside, abandoned as they thought they were safe.

And so you bared your own blade.

You and your people moved. Lunging and stabbing the first soldier through the back, slitting the throat of the second, strangling the third and pinning the fourth. The laughter and joy died, leaving silence.

Such... Was your life. To complete a mission no matter the innocent cost.

.....
....
...

You stirred as you opened your eyes to see your ceiling. Holding your head, you felt it ache as you slowly drove away sleep from your mind. A shaky breath left your lips as you absentmindedly held your lost arm.

A dream. Just a dream.

It was another day.

.....
....
...

You walked out of your room to find Assassin making breakfast. You blinked in surprise at the smell of the food she was making and immediately felt your stomach rumble.

Did you eat anything last night?

Miyu sat nearby reading a book, wearing what looked like a blue T-Shirt one size too big for her the words ARTS on her chest. She glanced at you and tilted her head.

"Good morning," she greeted you with a soft voice.

"Yeah. Were you up early?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Magi Mari is showing at this time," Miyu replied as she opened the TV. The two of you watched as a Jpop music started to play as a white haired hooded Idol girl started singing.

"Kill yourself~!<3"

Was this what the kids are into these days?

"Master, you're here. Please, take a seat," Assassin said as she had your meal ready, "I'll get your coffee ready."

"How do you know that?" You asked as you took your seat.

"Miss Manaka said that people normally liked coffee to start their morning," Assassin said as she placed your meal.

"You look different today," you said as you studied your Servant. She was wearing a white sleeveless kimono and a black hakama now with her normal outfit hidden underneath.

Assassin's long flowing hair was also tied by two white ribbons into twintails while... An ornament was on her head. You didn't know what to call it.

Assassin flushed as she held up your tray on her chest, "Well... Lady Miyu asked if I had other garbs I could wear."

"She was too lewd," Miyu spoke as she watched her show.

Assassin winced at the critical observation of her usual look. She then turned to you with an uncertain, "W-Was it???"

You choked in your omelette mid swallow before you gulped audibly. You pulled your collar and coughed, "I... Don't know."

Fortunately you were saved by your phone ringing. You quickly pulled it out while Assassin went to get your coffee. Picking up your phone, you answered it.

"Hello?" You greeted.

"Good morning Senpai. I have some news to relay to you. Would now be a good time?" your secretary asked.

"Oh uh... Sure. I was just having breakfast. Is it about our two missing employees?" You asked with a curious tone.

"Oh! So you knew? But yes, it's about that. We've conducted some investigation of our own regarding their disappearance."

"A nun told me of this. So what did you find out?" You asked once more.

"It seems like they were involved with an altercation with a Rogue Magus in the city. I'm led to believe that this could be a third party looking to cause trouble, Senpai. You should take care of your command seals."

"Any chance of it being a Luctworth attack dog?" You wondered.

"We're looking into it but the disappearances and what crime scenes we could find suggest that it's targets are indiscriminate."

"Anything out of the ordinary?" You asked further.

"Yes. No bodies were recovered within the crime scenes, Senpai. Do be careful. We don't know exactly what we're up against."

"Got it... Forward this information to the church. A nun named Caren Hortensia would be interested in this," you said as you sipped your coffee. Nice blend...

"You can count on me, Senpai," your secretary said before hanging up.

"Is everything all right?" Assassin asked you as she stood by your side.

"Just more work. Someone's trying to ruin this war," you sighed as you leaned on your seat, "Oh, right. Your outfit looks cute by the way."

Assassin blinked before shaking her head as her ears went red, "Shinobi don't get to choose their garb. But thank you. What will we be doing today?"

On the Seventh Day​

[] For now, you need to go talk to Manaka and hope she isn't actually killing people. Confronting her now and getting her to sit down is what's important.
[] You'll take the day off. Despite everything, you need to relax. You've been going at it for a week now with no real rest. You can take this chance to buy Miyu some clothes.
[] Caren will want you to start your investigation. Head for the church and coordinate with Caren on finding out more about what she knows about the disappearances.
[] Look up more about the Matou girl that Manaka called the Second Grail. That particular bit never left your mind. You should take steps into doing so.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] You'll take the day off. Despite everything, you need to relax. You've been going at it for a week now with no real rest. You can take this chance to buy Miyu some clothes.

It was the first day of your respite so you figured you could allow some manner of rest for now. You have been... Working nonstop for a good while now. It's about time you got some actual rest. You couldn't let your guard down during the war but morale was also important at times like this.

Turning to Assassin, you gave her your response, "We'll be going out today."

"Out? In this war?" Assassin blinked in surprise, "I must disagree, it's too dangerous."

"But without danger, we'll be complacent," you replied back as you sipped your coffee.

"That does not justify walking head straight into it. Master, is this truly wise?" Assassin asked you with a shake of her head.

"We'll look at it this way. Do you really expect that child to stay here during the holidays? Danger or no, she will be curious of the outside world," you said as you jerked your thumb at Miyu.

The girl in question gave you a blank look, "Please don't use me as an excuse."

"Am I wrong though?" You asked as you raised an eyebrow.

Miyu blinked before turning back to the TV where Magi Mari was playing.

"Die normies~<3."

"You win this time, Mister," Miyu conceded as she shut the TV off.

"What do we do about security? Will I be hidden at this time?" Assassin asked with a frown.

You gave her an amused look and she immediately felt a bad feeling crawl up her back.

.....
....
...

"While I did say that we were going out to regain morale, I'm not exactly sure how we're gonna do it," you admitted while wearing a crisp winter coat while walking the street.

Assassin stood by your side with a black cap and a brown jacket over her black sweater. She had a cup of street coffee in her hands and sipped it while the two of you watched Miyu admire a fire hydrant.

"Is this a statue?" Miyu asked as she turned her golden eyes your way.

"No it's a fire hydrant. Ask the Grail," you told her as you leaned on your cane.

Miyu wore a comfy looking powder blue coat as she looked around with a curious look. All of the fighting and fear of being caught in the crossfire really got to her. The only times you've seen her like this was when she dragged Assassin around the abandoned park.

"She's excitable when she gets going. I was hoping to avoid this," Assassin said as she shook her head.

"The dependable Assassin hoping to skip out on a challenge?" You chuckled as you glanced her way.

She gave you a pouting look, "It's not like that, Master. In any case, where are we going? I don't detect any servants nearby."

"Which is good. I was hoping that Miyu would take in on the sights and relax. Christmas is around the corner so I might get something she might like," you admitted as you managed a small smile.

"You speak as if we can defend her until the 25th," Assassin said as she walked by your side.

"It's not realistic but I wish I could reach that point. Miyu doesn't have to grant my wish. All I want is her core as a Holy Grail... Hopefully I can do so without taking her life," you said as you followed Miyu running down the street, "This war has been very different from the last ones. If the Luctworths were the architects then it's normal for them to throw this riddle for me to solve."

Assassin stared at you before speaking, "Had it been any other Magus, they wouldn't show concern for the girl's life."

"In any case, until I solve Miyu's predicament, I'll be slowed down... Which gives them time to eliminate us," you said as you gripped your cane.

"You won't let that happen now, would you, Master?" Chiyome said with a small smile.

You blinked before you chuckled, "I won't. Over my dead body."

Assassin allowed a giggle to leave her lips as the two of you followed Miyu to a toy store. Miyu stared at the dolls displayed on the shelves while you inspected the new gaming consoles on sale.

Turning around, you found Miyu dragging Assassin as they both carried a large black snake plushie that coiled around them. Assassin looked panicked while Miyu spoke up.

"She likes it," Miyu said as she held the snake's head.

"It might be expensive! Lady Miyu, please put it back!" Chiyome quickly said with her eye widening.

You cracked a smile before clearing throat, "Well... Allow me to teach you true Magic, Miyu."

Miyu raised an eyebrow as she asked, "What do you mean?"

"The magic of credit cards," you replied as you pulled out a card from your wallet.

Chiyome choked and the snake was purchased.

.....
....
...

The snake was delivered to your hideout by your employees nearby. This allowed your trip to go smoothly as you entered a mall. You checked your phone and were pinged by your security team as you walked.

"Christmas... It's my first time truly experiencing it," Miyu murmured as she stared at the golden Christmas tree.

"But you have heard of it, yes?" You asked as you stepped to her side.

"Well, in passing," Miyu said as she glanced at you, "I mentioned it didn't I? My elders didn't want my powers to be tainted by my perception of the world. If I am to be taught the wrong things, then I may just misuse my powers. So I wasn't taught these things, even my mother must be careful. But now with my powers sealed, I can finally look upon these things."

"It's a rather nice holiday brought from the West," Chiyome said as she cleared her throat, "Though it would seem that I am already in the west within this context."

"A day to give gifts and be in the company of others. It's rather interesting isn't it? Do you have any good memories of Christmas, Hans?" Miyu asked as she turned to you.

"Huh... Christmas. Well, not really," you chuckled as you stared at the tree, "Last Christmas, I was fighting another Grail War. It was the one I lost though."

You raised your hand and touched your missing arm.

"What was it like?" Miyu asked with a curious look.

"Well... I was better prepared. I had all sorts of trump cards laid out. I had resources, manpower and influence at my beck and call. In the end, it amounted to nothing," you said as you closed your eyes.

You recalled a memory of you stabbing a crazy Doll in the chest while she tore off your arm. You recalled watching her stand over you with that red spear she had while you fell. The pain made you wince as you opened your eyes.

"I wasn't strong enough to win that war. But well... I won six already, I had to lose somehow," you told her as you shook your head, "It was only a matter of time."

"All this for your sister. All these struggles, sacrifices and pain. Was... She truly that amazing?" Miyu asked you with a frown.

"Amazing isn't exactly how I'd put it. She hated vegetables and was a serial prankster. She was loud, annoying... And pretty smug," you recalled as you searched your memories of a younger orange haired girl smiling at you. You cracked a small smile at that as well, "But she was the only person that truly cared about me in that family. That is enough reason for me to fight these wars. I... Want to see her again."

"And the petty Grails can't grant you that wish..." Miyu said as she lowered her gaze to the ground to see families walking by, "Still... What would she think? Seeing you crippled and hurt to this extent."

You chuckled and said, "Well... I guess I'd have to listen to her yelling at me. Probably something about wasting my life searching for her."

"And you're fine with that?" Miyu asked with wide eyes.

"Yes. There's no telling really until I see her again. But if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have gone through these wars. It gave me perspective on the world and let me fight and meet new people," you said as you looked down at your hand, "It may be foolish but it's oddly fulfilling, having something to work for. We never truly know what lies ahead... I won't know what she'll say to me if I do get the chance. That's why don't be so sure, Miyu."

"About what?" Miyu blinked as she stared at you.

"About your purpose. You've resigned yourself with the duty of perishing in this war. You might end up being wrong... And if so, what then?" You said as you smiled her way.

Miyu blinked before frowning. She huffed and walked off to get a closed look at the tree. You kept your eyes on her leaving you and Assassin alone. Chiyome watched you from the side as the chorus of Christmas caroles began to drift in the air.

You watched Miyu glance at the line of children leading to a man in a red suit with a white beard.

Assassin took a moment before she spoke, "Such a heavy burden. How haven't you fallen yet? You're certainly strong, Master."

"Well not really. I guess you can call me stubborn," you replied as you met her gaze.

"Stubborn... If only I could be the same," Chiyome said as she looked down her hands, "Such a thing would be beyond me. Even if I try to be better, this cursed blood of mine would only cause trouble."

A Day Off​

[] "Broken as I am or cursed as you are, we're still fighting. It's only when we give in to our fears that we truly have lost."
[] "You're more than what your curse wants you to believe. Don't let it shackle you down, Miss Mochizuki. Trust me at least in this one."
[] "Stubbornness is something I excel in. Leave it to me to push you when you need it. After all, are we not accomplices to this messed up war?"
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "You're more than what your curse wants you to believe. Don't let it shackle you down, Miss Mochizuki. Trust me at least in this one."

You managed to look at her as she stared at her hands and saw the pained look on her face. She must be remembering something heavy again. You watched before you walked up to her side and tapped her shoulder with your cane.

"You're more than what your curse wants you to believe. Don't let it shackle you down, Miss Mochizuki," you told her in a gentle tone, "Trust me at least in this one."

Assassin met your gaze and cracked a small smile, "You have a way with words, My Lord."

"It's nothing," you replied as you stood by her side.

"It's easier said than done, Master," Assassin said as she placed her hands behind her back and giggled, "But I think your observations may have merit in this case."

"How so?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

"So far, I haven't had a bad experience under your command. It's almost too good to be true I feel like I'm in a dream," Chiyome said as she looked up at the Christmas tree.

You blinked at that and chuckled, "I assure you this is no dream. This peace we have today, it's thanks to your efforts, not just mine alone. You're the one risking your life out there."

"You think too highly of a lowly Shinobi like me," Chiyome said as she disagreed.

"Still... My wish aside, what do you want to wish for, Assassin?" You asked her with a curious tone.

"If I had a wish, it should be obvious by now, would it not, My Lord?" Assassin said with a small smile.

You raised an eyebrow at that, "You're getting cheeky."

"Don't you prefer it this way, Master?" Assassin asked.

"I do. It's not too bad," you replied as you leaned on your cane. The two of you turned to see Miyu come back to where you stood. She was carrying what seemed to be a red sock of some sort.

She stopped and held it up, "Want some?"

It was filled with candy canes.

"I'll pass," you politely declined as she took one and started biting on it.

.....
....
...

The sun began to set as the three of you made your way back from the mall. You were carrying the bag of clothes you bought for Miyu in the place of your cane while Assassin walked by with her.

They seemed to be engrossed in deep conversation about something you were too distracted to pay attention to. So far, things have been quiet. It was a rather productive day, one you haven't had in a long while.

Your life has been nothing but fighting in these wars for the last ten years. You've done nothing but fight and lose pieces of you in the process. Everything was all for that one goal, right?

You're not sure how your sister would see you now or what she would say. In fact, you're a little afraid of what she would do.

The Luctworth wanted their perfect Magus to complete their journey to the Root. You wanted your sister back. In a way, your goals weren't far from one another, it was just how your sister would be used in the end.

"Mister, you've been pretty quiet," Miyu asked as she looked up at you.

You were wrenched out of your thoughts as you met her gaze. Schooling your expression, you then said, "Just lost in my thoughts. Still, Miyu. Do you remember what we talked about in the park?"

Miyu paused before slowly nodding her head.

"Then tell me, do you want to see your mother again?" You asked her with a calm tone.

Miyu stared at you before speaking, "You weren't... Joking?"

"I promised, didn't I? So, what do you think?" You asked her once more while walking up to her, "Just say the word and we'll go see her tomorrow."

The girl hesitated before nodding, "I... If it's okay."

"Good. Let's get ready then. It's fortunate we bought you new clothes, right?" You said as the three of you continued walking.

It was easy to miss but you couldn't help but notice the twinkle in Miyu's eyes. Even if she didn't show it out in the open, you could tell that her mind was racing.

This was the least you could do.

.....
....
...

Back at your building, you opened the door to the rooftop to find a man standing there.

"Hope you're having a good evening up here," you said as you limped forward with your cane.

Berserker lowered his beer can and hunched over the bench he was sitting on, "Didn't take you for a coward, boy. The little goddess was looking all over for you."

You smiled and said, "I had some prior arrangements."

"Right," Berserker said as he gave you a raised eyebrow, "Taking care of the Grail is a full time job. Especially in this war. So, I doubt this is a courtesy call, why are you up here? You can't hide from the little Goddess up here she has an eye on me too."

"I'm going on a trip tomorrow and I'm bringing Miyu and Assassin along. We'll be raising some hell for a bit against some very powerful people," you replied as you glanced at the Warrior King.

Berserker chugged down his beer and wiped his lips, "Oh? Well ain't that a thing. Not satisfied with laying low and being idle anymore?"

"I figured I should indulge myself once in awhile," you said as you faced him.

The Servant raised an eyebrow at you, "So... Why tell me this?"

Rolling the Dice
​

[] "I require your strength. You're a Berserker, battle is in your blood. And I assure you that a rematch with that Saber would be of great entertainment for you."
[] "I need your help, King Beowulf. While I can do this by myself, I thought it'd only be polite to extend some invitations. Your little Goddess not included of course. That would be overkill."
[] "I promised Miyu I'd let her see her mother. I need Servants to accomplish this task. Surely Manaka won't mind if you also indulged yourself as well, King."
[] Write in...